Tag: encouragement

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13: 11 NIV

I’m not too old to watch cartoons. I’m not too old for big fluffy slippers. I’m not too old to catch a snowflake on the tip of my tongue. I’m not too old to throw my head back and laugh at the top of my lungs. I’m not too old to count the stars. I’m not too old to chase butterflies. Even though I may look crazy, I’m not too old dance in the rain. I’m not too old to cry. I’m not too old to accept sound advice, even if it comes from an unexpected source.

I am, however, too old to withhold my forgiveness. I’m too old to allow anger to rule my life. I’m too old to not accept God’s healing. I’m too old to worry about what man thinks of me. I’m too old to keep trying to prove to the world that I’m worthy. I’m too old to walk in fear. I’m too old to not accept responsibility when I make mistakes.

I’ve been blessed to live long enough to learn to trust God in all situations. I’ve learned to stay in praise even when I don’t feel like it. I’ve learned that even though I fall sometimes, God is still there to pick me back up. I’ve learned to step out on faith. I’ve learned that God truly loves me. There are so many people who will not be given the chance to learn these things. They will not be given a chance to grow older. If you’re one of the people blessed with this knowledge, share it with someone else and thank God.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

 

 

 

I may not know the right words to say. I may not speak eloquently. I may not have a lot of charisma and charm. My voice my be soft and mild, but when I speak the words that God has placed inside my heart, I’m always heard loud and clear. The words flow freely and smoothly from my mouth. Even when I don’t understand what I’m saying, I’m still understood by the one listening.

 

 

 

I’m not a scholar, complex theories and equations elude me. I don’t have several degrees displayed on my wall. I certainly don’t have the answers to life’s mysteries. I do have the wisdom of God that helps me solve problems that the best minds in the world can’t solve.

 

 

 

I’m not an athletic. I can’t shoot a hoop or catch a baseball. I can’t run a marathon and I can’t climb a mountain but with my faith in God, I can tell the mountain to move and it will obey.

 

 

 

I may be up against the biggest giant, who is proficient in the most advanced weapons. He may be an expert at hand to hand combat. I, on the other hand, may only have a slingshot and a rock, but because I have the power of God and an army of angels on my side, I am a warrior who can slay any giant.

 

 

 

I may be weak on my own but with God I am strong. Praise God, that there is no obstacle that He can’t overcome. There is no battle He can’t win. There is no sickness He can’t heal and there is no problem that He can’t solve. He is God Almighty.

 

 

 

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 NIV

 

 

 

 

 

 

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”  Mark 10:27 NIV

I am not in crisis.  I am in the one that at the mere mention of His name, demons tremble.  Every knee bows in heaven, on earth and below the earth.  Jesus.

I’m in the one who died on a cross, so that I may be saved.  He was raised from the dead.  No, I’m not in crisis.  I’m in the one who conquered death.  Jesus.

I make mistakes.  Sometimes, I trip over my own two feet.  I never stay down for too long because I’m in the one whose blood washes away all my sins.  Jesus.

I walk in dark places.  I have an enemy that wants to harm me.  He lies, steals and tries to kill me every chance he gets.  I’m not afraid because I’m in the one who is the Light and the Truth.  He protects me, avenges me and returns all that is stolen from me in double.  Jesus.

I may not have anyone to talk to sometimes.  At times, I may feel betrayed or get my feelings hurt by people close to me.  I’m not alone though, I’m in the one who everyone must go through in order to get to the Heavenly Father.  Jesus.

I’m exposed to deadly viruses and diseases.  I unknowingly breathe in toxic fumes and ingest poisonous chemicals.  I’m still standing because I’m in the one by whose stripes I am healed.  Jesus.

Nope, I’m not in crisis.  I’m in Jesus Christ.  If you see tears in my eyes, they are tears of joy.  I have joy because he loves me.  I ask and receive because I believe.

If you hear me shouting Hallelujah, I’m praising him because I have overcome.  When I am on his side, I am always victorious, even when it doesn’t look like it.  I think I’ll say it again. HALLELUJAH!

If you see me with my arms outstretched towards heaven, I’m receiving comfort and strength from him.  Nobody’s arms are stronger and nobody gives better hugs.

If you hear me singing at the top of my lungs.  I’m just singing his praises.  To you, my life may look like it’s falling apart but I’m still in Christ and he’s always worthy to be praised.

If you see me dancing around like a fool, don’t call the doctors.  I’m just crazy about Jesus.  I may not be graceful or have any rhythm but that’s ok because I’m in Christ.  It’s ok for you to praise him too.  Lift your hands, raise your voice and do a little dance because Jesus is Lord.  He’s coming back whether you believe or not.  The benefits for believing far outweigh the struggles.  He’ll even be with you during your struggles.  You can’t lose.  If you haven’t already, accept him into your life today.

“Don’t be afraid; just believe.”  Mark 5:36 NIV

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” psalm 107:1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let me tell you what my Heavenly Father has done for me. He had the birds sing me a good morning song when I woke up. Although, I didn’t want to open my eyes, he still gave me sight. I stumbled over a shoe as I rushed to get ready, but he didn’t let me fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I stepped outside of the house, he shined his light on me and he caressed my cheeks with the wind. His favor was upon me as he turned the traffic lights green at just the right time. He kept an army of angels around me to watch over and protect me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I arrived at work, I was knee-deep in chaos. Problems sprang up one after another. I started to worry. I called out to him in my frustration and he calmed my spirit. He comforted me and renewed my strength. He restored order to my chaos. He replaced my confusion with his wisdom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the evening, he lit a path home with the light of the moon and stars. Although, the birds were asleep, he still had crickets to sing me a goodnight song. Though I was surrounded by darkness, I was still protected. My body was weary but he let me rest in his arms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before I drifted off to sleep, I thought about how all day long, my Father’s grace and mercy were with me. I thought about how he protected and guided me. When I felt sick, he healed me. When I ignored him or rebelled against his will, he patiently waited for me. When I whined and grumbled because I didn’t get my way, he never stopped loving me. He never stopped blessing me. He always helped me. This is what my Heavenly Father has done for me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

Whether you believer or not, there is an enemy that does not want to see you prosper.  He is intent on getting you off the path that God has laid out in front of you.  He does not want you to fulfill the Lord’s plan for your life.  He doesn’t fight fair and his attacks aren’t always blatant.  Sometimes, the subtle attacks are his most affective.  He uses your thoughts and even well-meaning friends and family. 

DON’T BE FOOLED!  God has a purpose for your life.  No matter how loud the voices in your heard are telling you that life is pointless.  It doesn’t matter if your friends and family are telling you that you can’t.  If  God has called you to do something, do not veer from His plan.  Trust in the Lord.  What God has meant for you is for you alone.  Don’t let anyone or anything try to steal it away from you. 

God has given you everything you need to fulfill His purpose for you.  Whatever you may be lacking, be patient, He will provide it.  Whenever doubts smack you in the face, knock them out with God’s Word. 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.” Psalm 138:8

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

“Oh Lord, you have searched me and know me.” Psalm 139:1

Three thousand, six hundred and twenty-eight- that’s how many tears you shed today. When the alarm went off this morning, you hit the snooze button, rolled over and mumbled, “I can’t do this.”

I softly whispered in your ear, “we’ll get through this day, together.”

You cried as you stood under the shower, thinking that no one could hear you, but I did. I cried with you and I patiently waited for you to talk to me. Instead, you left for work without saying a word.

At work, I heard your boss as he listed all your mistakes. I know it made you feel unappreciated, frustrated and discouraged. I tried to tell you that I have something better lined up for you but I just need you to hold on for a little while longer.

You slipped in the bathroom and snuck a few more tears. I thought that you would want to talk but you couldn’t find the right words and gave up, even though I told you that you could never say anything that I didn’t already understand.

On the way home, I made sure that your path was well lit so that you could get home safely. You still didn’t say a word as you walked inside the house. You just went straight to the bedroom, curled up in bed and soaked your pillow with tears. I gently put my arms around you and waited for you to talk. When you finally cried out to me, all you could manage to say was, “Lord, please help me!”

That was all you ever needed to say. Your Heavenly Father is already here and I have never left your side. I saw every tear and felt every pain. I moved the clouds to make way for the sun to shine on you during the day and the moon and stars to shine on you during the night. I opened the flowers to show you their beauty and to perfume the air. I made the leaves on the trees dance and the birds to sing, just for you. Yes, my child, I love you that much and I just can’t leave you alone.